Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Passive Cooling With Vertical Shading and Sarmadi Grey Stone Integration In Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Danial Ayman Soubh
Passive Cooling With Vertical Shading and Sarmadi Grey Stone Integration In Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating Sarmadi grey stone and double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency, this villa leverages vertical shading and natural ventilation to create a sustainable living environment tailored for the harsh climate of the Arabian Gulf.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced Sarmadi grey stone for durability and visual appeal.
02
Employs double-glazed windows to enhance thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Features innovative vertical shading elements to reduce solar heat gain.
04
Includes integrated solar panels capable of generating 9900 watts per hour.
05
Allows for future expansion with modular design for additional living units.

### Overview

Located in a region characterized by extreme heat and sunlight near the Arabian Gulf, the Stone Cubes Villa exemplifies modern residential design that addresses environmental challenges. The villa's design prioritizes flexibility in orientation and expansion capabilities, allowing it to adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The integration of sustainable solutions reduces energy consumption, promoting efficient and responsible living.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the villa is thoughtfully distributed across multiple levels to enhance usability and comfort. The ground floor encompasses communal areas, including a kitchen, living, and dining spaces, fostering interaction and social gatherings. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, ensuring seclusion and tranquility. Additionally, the roof level provides space for solar panel installations and future enhancements, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials is pivotal to the villa’s performance and aesthetic. Exterior finishes include Jotun white paint for reflective properties, Sarmadi grey stone for durability, double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency, and aluminum strips that provide shading. Structural materials, such as locally-sourced cement-brick, contribute to sustainability while supporting the villa's integrity. Specialized insulation ensures comfort and minimizes energy needs, enhancing the overall living experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy